Virus Hits Dutch Players Before France Match in Euro Qualifiers

The Netherlands will lose the services of five players due to a viral infection within the squad ahead of their match against France in the European Football Championship qualifiers in Paris tomorrow, Friday. The Dutch federation announced that defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Sven Botman, forward Cody Gakpo, midfielder Joel Verman, and goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen have returned home at the decision of coach Ronald Koeman. Koeman has called up Inter Milan center-back Stefan de Vrij, Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, and Vitesse Arnhem goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen as replacements. After facing France, the Netherlands will play at home against Gibraltar in the second round of Group B qualifiers on Monday.